Chapter 266: Photoshoot
“At this point…”
Ringo continued.
“We have not discovered any issues with our functions, cognitive abilities, or data processing capabilities. We conducted a comparative analysis of a significant number of Brain Units, but we could not confirm any differences based on the presence or absence of certain factors.”
“How interesting! Ringo, do you have any other topics like this!?”
Suddenly bursting out from between the frozen Utsugi and Erika, Asahi charged at Ringo. Ringo skillfully caught the leaping Asahi with an unnecessarily advanced maneuver, spinning her around and slamming her onto the nearby sofa.
“Oh!?”
“Calm down.”
Ringo held Asahi’s head down, preventing her from moving, and switched the projected image.
“Regarding those factors, we must consider the involvement of Magic. Phenomena that cannot be observed based on our scientific theories can be regarded as Fantasy without issue.”
At the very least, Ringo should have a comprehensive understanding of the scientific interpretations of the phenomena in this world. The library that appeared alongside The Tree contains all knowledge. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Ringo knows everything about the universe.
“And next…”
The next image displayed was a massive crystal discovered within the body of the Rain Kroin.
“This crystal could not be analyzed by our instruments. Even with the same testing methods, different results occurred each time, making it impossible to identify the constituent materials.”
With a click, the display switched.
“The results of the X-ray observations are as follows.”
What appeared was a completely white object. The edges of the image showed slight variations in black and white, but overall, it was presented as white.
“Hmm… this is something else.”
X-rays, in very simple terms, show hard and thick objects as white, while soft and thin ones are transparent.
“Since the subject is a crystal, we did not expect it to be transparent. However, it seems that not only the crystal itself but also the surrounding space is experiencing some issue with X-ray transmission, causing scattering.”
“Ah! So, does that mean the Magic Essence is obstructing the X-rays?”
“Not obstructing, but reflecting.”
“Either way works! So, does that mean the Magic Essence can be visualized with X-rays? It can be done, right!?”
While Ringo might not agree that either option is acceptable, Asahi’s education has led her to become somewhat indifferent to scientific accuracy. However, this trait is likely ideal for her initial approach to understanding Fantasy.
“Let’s confirm a few things! We need to get the X-ray imaging device right away!”
“Calm down.”
“Mugyu.”
Asahi attempted to stand, but Ringo skillfully shifted her weight, sinking her back into the sofa. It was a masterful display of body control.
“Asahi is correct; if we can confirm the density of Magic Essence in two dimensions, we might literally increase our resolution.”
“Yes, Commander. We are currently designing the measuring device while comparing it with the Magic Essence Meter readings. We should be able to produce a sufficiently practical measuring device soon.”
“Oh, oh—oh! This is it, Ringo! If possible, send it to the front lines immediately! Hurry, hurry!!”
Asahi, seemingly having obtained information through the network, began to make a commotion. Ringo glanced at Eve, who sighed and nodded. While it wasn’t so disruptive that they couldn’t continue, it was certainly noisy.
“Wait, what!? Ringo, why the sudden change!!”
“Asahi, let’s keep it down a bit.”
“Kyun!”
A stealthy self-propelled manipulator grabbed Asahi by the scruff of her neck and tossed her. Ringo, chasing after her, caught the fabric around Asahi’s waist mid-air to slow her down. At the same time, Ichigo and Olive, who had been sitting beside Eve, stood up and captured Asahi, skillfully neutralizing her momentum and landing her softly on Eve.
“W-what the—ugh.”
Eve embraced Asahi, who had crashed into her, physically silencing her.
“Alright. Ringo, continue.”
“Yes, Commander.”
The next display from Ringo was a map centered around The Tree.
“Although we are still in the process of measuring, I can explain the general distribution.”
It was a density map plotting the measured Magic Essence levels.
“Centered around The Tree, the minimum value is approximately within a radius of 120 kilometers. From the outer edge towards The Tree, the density of Magic Essence gradually increases.”
Multiple slightly distorted concentric circles were drawn around The Tree. These contour lines connected points of equal measured Magic Essence density. While they were far from perfect circles, they still indicated a circular pattern centered on The Tree. Without a doubt, the center point of Magic Essence density was The Tree.
“What concerns me is that the area with the highest Magic Essence density is along the circumference within 1 kilometer of The Tree. While the density at The Tree itself is quite high, it pales in comparison.”
As Ringo explained, the map zoomed in.
The area within a few hundred meters of The Tree showed a density of approximately 1,200%. From there, the density sharply increased, peaking at 2,840%. Roughly 2,500% density was found along the circumference of this 1-kilometer radius.
The highest density of Magic Essence was not at the center of the concentric circles but rather on the circumference, 1 kilometer away.
“Hmm… I don’t get it.”
Eve tilted her head as she gazed at the map. Unlike the Magic Essence hotspots observed in the Demon Forest of the Afrasia United Kingdom, where the highest density was typically near the center, this was different.
“…Hey, hey!!”
Asahi, who had buried her face in Eve’s chest, began tapping her with her tiny hands. It seemed she had something to say. Reluctantly, Eve loosened her grip.
Asahi raised her face with a gasp.
“This is very similar to ripples on the water’s surface, Sister! The properties of Magic Essence are fascinating!”
To prevent further noise, Eve once again embraced Asahi’s head.
“Ripples?”
“Yes, Commander. Based on the distribution of the currently observed Magic Essence density, it appears to have peaks and valleys resembling ripples. Whether they are actually spreading outward like real ripples requires continuous observation.”
Ringo, showing her consideration, switched the display of the Magic Essence density map to a side view. Indeed, it appeared that waves were emanating outward from The Tree.
If this truly resembled ripples, when exactly did they occur?
“By continuously recording the fluctuations in Magic Essence density at fixed observation points, we should eventually determine when they appeared. The important thing is that we have finally acquired a means to observe the source of what seems to be Fantasy, the Magic Essence.”
Asahi continued to tap, but this time Eve did not release her hold.
“While we still have questions about why Magic Essence and X-rays react, we will eventually uncover those mysteries. At present, we can only observe it if there is a considerable density of Magic Essence, but there are ways to do so.”
“…I wonder if X-rays are also emitted from stars?”
“Yes, Commander. However, they are absorbed by the atmosphere of this planet, so they cannot be observed at the surface. We need to prepare a source of emission. Additionally, to reach distant areas, a considerable intensity of irradiation is required. Since X-rays are high-energy, we must consider their impact on the surroundings.”
Standard visible light cameras or active radar have little to no effect on their targets when used. However, X-rays are powerful electromagnetic waves that can cause genetic damage if they irradiate living organisms.
Carelessly releasing them could have significant consequences for the surrounding environment.
There is a possibility that the biological community around the emission equipment could be devastated. Of course, if necessary, they would not hesitate to do so, but the potential impacts are unpredictable, so caution is essential.
“Isn’t that the butterfly effect? I have a feeling there’s something brewing around the Demon Forest.”
“Yes, Commander. We need to keep a close watch.”
Asahi-chan is so cute. Having her around makes it easy to get everyone moving. Everyone else is so quiet…